PROGRAMME QUALITY HANDBOOK 2018-2019 FdSc Computing Page 1 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK Contents Contents 1. Welcome and Introduction to FdSc Computing. 29 Page 2 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK 1. Welcome and Introduction to FdSc Computing.
Welcome to the Foundation Degree in Computing delivered by University Centre South Devon. The IT industry is modern, fast-moving and in need of qualified professionals. This course reflects industry trends with a mix of programming paradigms, hardware and networking, systems analysis and databases, client and server web development, business IT and other topics to provide you with skills for progression & employability in today’s Computing and IT sector. This programme has been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge base required to work in your chosen specialism or other graduate opportunities.
It is also a platform from which you can undertake additional vocational and academic qualifications. This Programme Quality handbook contains important information including: The approved programme specification Module records Note: The information in this handbook should be read in conjunction with the current edition of: - Your Institution & University Student Handbook which contains student support based information on issues such as finance and studying at HE o Available in University News & Information on Moodle. - Plymouth University’s Student Handbook o available at: https://www.uk/your-university/governance/student- handbook Page 3 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK 1. Programme Management Conrad Saunders: Programme Coordinator Computing / Manager for FdSc Computing / Tutor and Module leader Conrad is an experienced programme coordinator of computing and has been at the college for over 7 years.
He has led the continuous development of further education and higher education programmes and recently co-created the BSc (Hons) Digital Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, taught in conjunction with Plymouth University, and the rewrite of the successful FdSc Computing Degree. Conrad has experience of delivering networking, network management, systems security, programming and server-side web development from level 1 to foundation degree level. He has been nominated for college awards for teaching and learning and was recently awarded for his ‘Aspiration’ to teaching. Personal Tutor Personal tutors are designated as a sustained and first point of reference for individual students on personal, domestic or academic matters; detailed information will be available in your teaching, learning and assessment handbooks.
Year 1 personal tutor: Andy Cuffe Year 2 personal tutor: Conrad Saunders Further information can be found by following this link to the University personal tutoring policy. Module Leaders Chris Booth Chris is an experienced lecturer having taught Computing at South Devon College for 5 years. During his time at the college, he has been involved in introducing new technologies and languages to ensure programs align with industry requirements including a rewrite of the successful Foundation Degree in Computing. Chris has experience of delivering computer systems theory, mobile app development, and client and serverside web development from GCSE to Foundation Degree level.
Chris has been nominated for numerous college awards for teaching, learning and assessment, winning an award for ‘Innovation in his teaching practice’. Gemma Gilbey Gemma has a vast level of experience in education and has been both a secondary school teacher and a Lecturer for over 7 years. She has taught on many different courses ranging from GCSE through to Foundation Degree, covering units such as Website Development, Networking, Animation and programming. Gemma is flexible and adaptable to different subjects across different levels and experienced in teaching HE having delivered on the FDSC Computing Program for over 5 years.
Page 4 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK Paul Shepard Paul has worked in computing and education for over 8 years and has held a range of posts, including programme leader, lead tutor and lecturer. He has taught across a wide array of qualifications and levels, including ITQ, BTEC levels 1-3, HND and foundation degree programmes. Paul has industry experience in multimedia learning resource development, client and server side web development. Course Contact List If you have questions about a module, please contact the appropriate module leader.
If you have any questions about the programme or your pastoral needs please contact your personal tutor. If you have any questions about fees, funding or support from the university please contact university@southdevon.uk Module Title Module Leader Contact Employability and Gemma Gilbey Gemma.uk Professional Development Programming Andy Cuffe Andy.uk Concepts Database: Analysis, Design & Development Computer Systems Infrastructure Application Development for Embedded Operating Systems Object Oriented Programming (OOP) Fundamentals of Conrad Saunders Conrad.uk Computer Networks Enterprise Networks Page 5 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK Client-Side Web Paul Shepard Shep.uk Development Server-Side Web Development Advanced Project Introduction to Nirosha Holton Nirosha.uk Computer Security Page 6 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK 2. Programme Details Awarding Institution: University of Plymouth Partner Institution and South Devon College delivery site (s): Accrediting Body: N/A Language of Study: English1 Mode of Study: Full Time and Part Time Final Award: FdSc Intermediate Award: Programme Title: FdSc Computing UCAS Code: G400 JACS Code: I110 Benchmarks: Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark (FDQB). QAA Subject Benchmark Statement – Computing 2016 Date of Programme May 2016 Approval: 2.
Brief Description of the Programme This text is definitively approved at programme approval and therefore may be directly used for promotion of the programme without the need for further confirmation (approx. 200-250 words): The IT and computing industries are dynamic, fast-moving and constantly in need of qualified professionals. This Foundation Degree equips Students with the skills that employers seek in graduates, and will open up opportunities for them in both the public and private sectors, not just in the UK but all over the world. The course reflects industry trends with a mix of programming paradigms, hardware, networking and security, systems analysis and databases, client and server web development and various other topics, all of which are relevant to modern industry.
This will enable students to progress and succeed within today’s IT and computing sector by ensuring that they can readily transition into professional practice. 1 Unless otherwise approved through Plymouth University’s Academic Development and Partnerships Committee Page 7 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK This course is delivered by an experienced teaching team, who regularly monitor and update it to reflect industry trends, ensuring students gain valuable skills that are relevant to employment. Students will learn in small classes where there is an emphasis on support, which will enable students to make the most of their studies and succeed in their career. The course consists of a core curriculum that includes lectures, presentations, class discussion and project work.
Students will be taught in specialist computing labs, which provide access to current equipment including the latest industry-standard software from proprietary and Open Source packages. Details of Accreditation by a Professional/Statutory Body (if appropriate) N/A 4. Exceptions to Plymouth University Regulations (Note: Plymouth University’s Academic Regulations are available on the extranet: https://www.uk/student-life/academic-regulations) None 5. Programme Aims The programme will deliver: 1.
Students with knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories related to computing and computer applications. Students with a cognitive and intellectual approach directly related to recognising and analysing criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and to be able to plan strategies for their solutions. Students with key transferable skills including team working, leadership, collaboration and communication, to identify problems by planning effectively to meet desired outcomes even when situations and priorities change. Students with a wide range of skills for employability and continuous personal development to become effective in the workplace, to benefit themselves, their employer and the local and wider economy to enhance long- term employment prospects.
Students with practical skills where they can operate autonomously in situations of varying complexity and predictability with the ability to specify, design, construct and evaluate reliable, secure and useable computer-based systems. Page 8 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK 6. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO) By the end of this programme the student will be able to: ILO1: Understand the fundamentals facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to computing and computer applications, and apply these to solve a variety of real world problems whilst appreciating legal regulatory, professional, financial and ethical responsibilities. ILO2: Recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan strategies for their solution that follow design patterns in line with quality standards and user interface conventions, and demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate systems.
ILO3: Meet desired outcomes in the implementation of computer systems by planning and managing time and resources effectively, communicating with clarity and working both autonomously and as part of a team. ILO4: Understand the ever-changing nature of computing, and the role of continuous personal development in maintaining status as a cutting-edge computing professional. ILO5: Demonstrate initiative and responsibility to make professional, ethical and accurate judgements based upon changing or incomplete conditions with the ability to show innovation and creativity to overcome barriers, problems and challenges. ILO6: Specify, design and construct reliable, secure and usable computer-based systems using contemporary construction tools and techniques and present these systems with confidence, clarity and professionalism to employees and clients.
Distinctive Features This text is definitively approved at programme approval and therefore may be directly used for promotion of the programme without the need for further confirmation: The programme is delivered at South Devon College, which was recently reviewed as part of the Quality Assurance Agency Review of Higher Education, and received two commendations. Page 9 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK Students benefit from having access to support from experienced tutors, who ensure their knowledge is continually up-to-date through a programme of professional development. Access for HE students to the University Centre, which includes the HE LRC and dedicated learning space. This course is taught in various computer labs, which provide access to current equipment including the latest industry-standard software from proprietary and Open Source packages.
The institution is a recognised Cisco Academy, and Cisco material is embedded into the networking module content. Strong links with local industry leaders in the hi-tech sector to promote opportunities for work-based experience. Diverse assessment methods provide learners the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and reach their full potential, in different environments. The low staff-to-student ratio means smaller groups, allowing for more one-to-one contact and support.
Relaxed and informal learning environment with wide variety of teaching styles. Incorporates a substantial element of practical work and production-based work (i. the production of an end product which does something useful – or fun!). We promote learning through practice and doing.
The course and its content is 'agile by design' to be able to meet the ever changing Computing industry and associated trends. Our Foundation Degree is aligned to the Key Cyber Security Principles and Learning outcomes as recommended by the CPHC (Council of Professors and Heads of Computing). Student Numbers The following provides information that should be considered nominal, and therefore not absolutely rigid, but is of value to guide assurance of the quality of the student experience, functional issues around enabling progression opportunities to occur and staffing and resource planning: Minimum student numbers per stage = 8 Target student numbers per stage = 16 Maximum student numbers per stage = 16 per group 9. Progression Route(s) Page 10 of 76 Last Saved: 06/06/2018 University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Programme Quality Handbook UK Approved ‘progression route(s)’ are those where successful achievement in this programme enables direct alignment to join a stage of another programme.